COMBINED COSMETIC DROPPER AND APPLICATOR

Abstract

COMBINATION COSMETIC DROPPER AND APPLICATOR Applicators, container assemblies, kits, and methods for delivering controlled and defined doses of cosmetic compositions to the skin, hair, or other body portion of an individual. An applicator includes a head that is slidably affixed to a shaft. The shaft includes a plunger that is slidably positioned within the head. The head also includes a biasing member that biases the head toward a position distal to the plunger. When the biasing member is overridden, the head slides along the shaft and the plunger enters the head to a position deeper within the head to move and discharge the cosmetic from within the head through an orifice in the head and onto the body portion of the individual.The applicator can be used for dispensing defined dosages of a variety of cosmetic compositions, including compositions with relatively higher viscosity. Figure for abstract: none.

Description

Title of the invention: COMBINED COSMETIC DROPPER AND APPLIER SUMMARY

[0001] In one aspect, the disclosure provides an applicator for applying a defined dosage of a cosmetic composition, the applicator comprising: a head including an orifice that fluidly connects an exterior of the head to an interior of the head, wherein the head is slidably affixed to a shaft including a piston that is slidably positioned within the head; and a biasing member that biases the head toward a position distal to the piston, wherein the distal position corresponds to a volume of the interior of the head for storing the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition, wherein a force applied to the head toward the piston overcomes the biasing member and slides the head along a length of the shaft and toward a position proximal to the piston to discharge the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition from the volume of the interior through the orifice by the piston.

[0002] In embodiments, the orifice is disposed through a distal portion of the head and wherein the force is applied by contacting a skin surface with the distal portion of the head, such that with discharge of the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition from the orifice, the cosmetic composition contacts the skin surface.

[0003] In embodiments, the distal portion of the head is inclined relative to an axis of the applicator shaft.

[0004] In embodiments, the biasing member is integral with the head.

[0005] In embodiments, the biasing member is a rod that extends from a rim of the orifice into the volume of the interior of the head and comes into contact with the piston of the shaft.

[0006] In embodiments, the biasing member is a spring disposed between an inner edge of the head and the piston.

[0007] In embodiments, a size of the spring corresponds to the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition.

[0008] In embodiments, the inner edge of the head is positioned adjacent the orifice of the head.

[0009] In embodiments, the shaft includes a handle attachment at a distal portion thereof for attaching the applicator to a handle.

[0010] In embodiments, the applicator further comprises the handle attached to the tree handle attachment.

[0011] In embodiments, the volume of the interior of the head corresponds to the dosage defined based on a size of the piston and a distance traveled by the piston when the head moves from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the piston.

[0012] In embodiments, the size of the piston is greater than a size of a portion of the shaft that enters the head as the head moves from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the piston.

[0013] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a container assembly for storing and dispensing a defined dosage of a cosmetic composition, the container assembly comprising an applicator and a bottle, and optionally, a scraper configured to be attached to an opening of the bottle and comprising an orifice for passage of the applicator therethrough to remove excess cosmetic composition from the applicator during removal of the applicator from the bottle.

[0014] In embodiments, a diameter of the applicator and a diameter of the scraper are compatible with each other for a tight fit of the scraper on the applicator during removal of the applicator from the bottle.

[0015] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a kit comprising an assembly containing and further comprising instructional material, product material, or an accessory.

[0016] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form which are described more fully below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0017] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] shows a perspective view of an exemplary applicator with an attached handle, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary applicator, bottle, and scraper of a container assembly, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] shows a front perspective view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in a distal position, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] shows a front perspective view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in a proximal position, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] [Fig.2C] [Fig.2C] shows a side view of a first example of an applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0022] [Fig.2D] [Fig.2D] shows a side view of a first example of an applicator, with the head of the applicator in a proximal position.

[0023] [Fig.2E] [Fig.2E] shows a rear perspective view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0024] [Fig.2F] [Fig.2F] shows a rear perspective view of a first example of an applicator, with the applicator head in a proximal position.

[0025] [Fig.2G] [Fig.2G] shows a front perspective sectional view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0026] [Fig.2H] [Fig.2H] shows a front perspective sectional view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in the proximal position.

[0027] [Fig.21] [Fig.2I] shows a side sectional view of a first example of an applicator, with the head of the applicator in the distal position.

[0028] [Fig.2J] [Fig.2J] shows a side sectional view of a first example of an applicator, with the head of the applicator in a proximal position.

[0029] [Fig.2K] [Fig.2K] shows a rear perspective sectional view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0030] [Fig.2L] [Fig.2L] shows a rear perspective sectional view of a first example of an applicator, with the applicator head in a proximal position.

[0031] [Fig.2M] [Fig.2M] shows a front perspective cutaway view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0032] [Fig.2N] [Fig.2N] shows a front perspective cutaway view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in the proximal position.

[0033] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] shows a side cutaway view of a first example of an applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0034] [Fig.2P] [Fig.2P] shows a side cutaway view of a first example of an applicator, with the applicator head in a proximal position.

[0035] [Fig.2Q] [Fig.2Q] shows a rear perspective cutaway view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0036] [Fig.2R] [Fig.2R] shows a rear perspective cutaway view of a first example applicator, with the applicator head in the proximal position.

[0037] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] shows a front perspective view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in a distal position, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0038] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] shows a front perspective view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in a proximal position, according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0039] [Fig.3C] [Fig.3C] shows a side view of a second example of an applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0040] [Fig.3D] [Fig.3D] shows a side view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the proximal position.

[0041] [Fig.3E] [Fig.3E] shows a rear perspective view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0042] [Fig.3F] [Fig.3F] shows a rear perspective view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the proximal position.

[0043] [Fig.3G] [Fig.3G] shows a front perspective cutaway view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0044] [Fig.3H] [Fig.3H] shows a front perspective cutaway view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the proximal position.

[0045] [Fig.31] [Fig.31] shows a side cutaway view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0046] [Fig.3J] [Fig.3J] shows a side cutaway view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the proximal position.

[0047] [Fig.3K] [Fig.3K] shows a rear perspective cutaway view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the distal position.

[0048] [Fig.3L] [Fig.3L] shows a rear perspective cutaway view of a second example applicator, with the applicator head in the proximal position.

[0049] The foregoing aspects and numerous advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description

[0050] The application of cosmetic compositions, such as lip gloss, lipstick, creams, gels, ointments, foundations, concealers, sunscreen, acne treatments, and the like, usually involves an individual controlling the dosage of the composition applied to the body. This is often difficult, particularly when the composition is thick or viscous. In these and other situations, excess composition may be inadvertently applied to the body, resulting in unwanted application of product or prolonged efforts to apply a desired amount of the composition to the body. In addition to being a frustrating experience for a consumer, it is also wasteful, as excess composition is typically discarded and not used.Accordingly, there is a need for applicators for applying cosmetic compositions that facilitate better control and definition of dosages of applied compositions. The present disclosure addresses this need as well as other long unmet needs in the . technical.

[0051] In one aspect, the disclosure provides an applicator for applying a defined dosage of a cosmetic composition and avoiding unnecessary or excessive amounts of the composition, reducing waste and improving the quality and reproducibility of the product application process. Exemplary applicators are shown in Figures 2A-2R and Figures 3A-3L. In various embodiments, an applicator 7 comprises a head 2 which includes an orifice 9. The orifice 9 fluidly connects the exterior of the head to an interior of the head. The head 2 is slidably affixed to a shaft 3 which includes a piston 18 which is slidably positioned within the head. A biasing member 10 biases the head 2 toward a distal position relative to the piston 18 (e.g., Figures 2A, 2C, 2E, 2G, 21, 2K, 2M, 20, 2Q, 3A, 3C, 3E, 3G, 31, and 3K).The distal position corresponds to a volume of the interior of the head configured to store the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition until it is applied to a portion of an individual's body. When a force is applied to the head 2 in the direction of the piston 18, it overcomes the biasing member 10 and slides the head 2 along a length of the shaft 3 and to a position proximal to the piston 18 (e.g., Figures 2B, 2D, 2F, 2H, 2J, 2L, 2N, 2P, 2R, 3B, 3D, 3F, 3H, 3J and 3L) to discharge the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition from the volume of the interior of the head 2 through the orifice 9 by the piston 18. Since the volume within the head 2 is defined, the amount of the composition that can be contained by the head 2 is also defined and constant between applications.

[0052] In embodiments, the orifice 9 is disposed through a distal portion of the head 2. The force to slidably move the head 2 along the shaft 3 to dispense the composition may be applied by contacting a skin surface or other portion of a body of an individual with the distal portion of the head 2, such that with a discharge of the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition from the orifice 9, the cosmetic composition contacts the skin surface or other portion of the body. The distal portion of the head 2 may include the orifice 9 therethrough, such that when the distal portion of the head 2 contacts the portion of the body of the individual, the cosmetic composition may directly contact the skin surface after exiting the orifice 9.In this way, the composition is applied more efficiently to the skin surface or other portion of the body, and there is less waste produced by the application process.

[0053] In embodiments, the distal portion of the head 2 is inclined relative to an axis of the shaft 3 of the applicator 7. The distal portion of the head 2 may include a surface through which the orifice 9 passes, and the surface may be inclined relative to the axis of the shaft 3 at an angle that is not 90 degrees. The angle of the surface of the distal portion of the head 2 may facilitate the ergonomic application of the composition during use, such that a person gripping the applicator 7 does not necessarily need to position the shaft 3 at about 90 degrees relative to the portion of the body to which the composition is being applied. In this way, the applicator 7 is able to be used more comfortably for longer periods.

[0054] In embodiments, the biasing member 10 is integral with the head 2. As shown in the figures, including at least Figures 2A-2R and optionally Figures 3A-3L, the biasing member 10 may be manufactured and operated as a structural unit that includes other portions of the head 2 in a single piece of the overall assembly. Although any material may be used for the biasing member 10, including metals, plastics, polymers, and the like, in various embodiments, the biasing member 10 is generally flexible and capable of storing potential energy in a compressed configuration when the head 2 enters a proximal position (e.g., as shown in Figures 2B, 2D, 2F, 2H, 2J, 2L, 2N, 2P, 2R, 3B, 3D, 3F, 3H, 3J, and 3L).Upon release of a force from the head 2 of the applicator 7, the biasing of the biasing member 10 releases potential energy as it transitions to an enlarged configuration, which returns the head 2 to the distal position (e.g., as shown in Figures 2A, 2C, 2E, 2G, 2I, 2K, 2M, 2O, 2Q, 3A, 3C, 3E, 3G, 3I, and 3K).

[0055] In embodiments, the biasing member 10 is a rod that extends from a rim of the port 9 into the volume of the interior of the head 2 and contacts the piston 18 of the shaft 3. As shown in Figures 2A-2R, an exemplary rod shape of the biasing member 10 may include an arc to its shape, such that a base of the arc extends from the rim of the port 9 and a length and a tip of the arc extend into the volume and contact the piston 18 of the shaft 3, respectively. The rod may be structurally narrow, such that the cosmetic composition passes around the rod as it exits the port 9 during use and is not inhibited by the rod. In this manner, the cosmetic composition is efficiently applied during use.

[0056] In embodiments, the biasing member 10 is a spring disposed between an inner edge 16 of the head 2 and the piston 18 of the shaft 3. As shown in Figures 3A-3L, the spring may include a small deformable spring that is biased toward the enlarged configuration and is compressed toward the compressed configuration. In embodiments, a size of the spring corresponds to the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition; for example, the spring may be longer to further enlarge the piston 18 of the shaft 3 to define a larger volume, or may be shorter to not enlarge the piston 18 of the shaft 3 as much, to define a smaller volume, as needed in a particular case which may depend, for example, on the cosmetic composition to be used with the applicator 7. In embodiments, the inner ridge 16 of the head 2 is positioned adjacent to the orifice 9 of the head 2; in the embodiment shown, the inner ridge 16 of the head 2 may be contacted - directly or indirectly - by the spring of the biasing member 10, so that the spring abuts the inner ridge 16 of the head 2 to prevent the spring from entering the upper volume of the head 2 immediately adjacent to the orifice 9, particularly when the spring is in the compressed configuration. In embodiments, the inner ridge 16 may comprise, for example, a small lip that extends radially inwardly from an inner wall of the head 2 of the applicator 7, and may be positioned below the orifice 9, for example.In embodiments, the inner ridge 16 may extend all or part of a circumference of the inner wall of the head 2, and may form a circular orifice through which the composition passes, for example.

[0057] In embodiments, the shaft 3 includes a handle attachment 17 at a distal portion thereof for attaching the applicator 7 to a handle 4, as shown by way of example in Figures 1A and 1B, 2A-2R and 3A-3L. The handle attachment 17 may include any of a variety of attachment structures for securing the shaft 3 to the handle 4. In the examples shown, the handle attachment 17 includes a pair of flexible semicircular flanges that may be depressed radially inward for insertion of the handle attachment 17 into the handle 4, for example, as may occur when assembling the applicator 7 to form a handle applicator 1. As such, in embodiments, the applicator 7 further includes the handle 4 attached to the handle attachment 17 of the shaft 3, forming the handle applicator 1 (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A and 1B).

[0058] In embodiments, the volume of the interior of the head 2 corresponds to, or defines, the dosage defined based on a size of the piston 18 of the shaft 3 and a distance traveled by the piston 18 when the head 2 moves from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the piston 18, as shown by way of example in Figures 2A, 2C, 2E, 2G, 21, 2K, 2M, 2O, 2Q, 3A, 3C, 3E, 3G, 31 and 3K (distal position) and Figures 2B, 2D, 2F, 2H, 2J, 2L, 2N, 2P, 2R, 3B, 3D, 3F, 3H, 3J and 3L (proximal position). In the embodiments shown, and as illustrated in Figures 21 and 2J, the piston 18 of the shaft 3 includes a size, e.g., a diameter, that is greater than a size, e.g., a diameter, of a portion 11 of the shaft 3 that enters the head 2 when the head 2 moves from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the piston 18.This allows the portion 11 of the shaft 3 to slide into the head 2 and, due to a hydraulic effect, results in a . greater volume of composition displaced by the piston 18 due to its larger diameter. As would be understood by one skilled in the art, the diameter of the piston 18 (and the inner diameter of the head 2) may be increased or decreased to adjust the volume of cosmetic composition displaced by the movement of the piston 18, for example, as may be beneficial for particular cosmetic compositions or cosmetic compositions having particular characteristics (e.g., degree of viscosity).

[0059] In the embodiments shown, the piston 18 is separated from the remainder of the shaft 3 by the portion 11 of the shaft 3, which includes a smaller diameter relative to the piston 18 and the remainder of the shaft 3 and is defined by upper ridges 12 and lower ridges 15 on either side of the shaft 3 thereof. The upper ridges 12 of the shaft 3 abut the inner ridges 13 of the head 2 when the biasing member 10 is in the enlarged configuration (e.g., [Fig.2I]), and the lower ridges 15 of the shaft 3 abut the lower portions 14 of the head 2 when the biasing member 10 is in the contracted configuration (e.g., [Fig.2J]).In this way, the piston 18 is secured within the head 2 and the inner ridges 13, which extend radially inwardly from the inner wall of the head, define a maximum distal position for the head 2 relative to the piston 18 and prevent complete removal of the shaft 3 from the head 2.

[0060] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a container assembly 8 for storing and dispensing a defined dosage of a cosmetic composition (e.g., [Fig. 1B]), the container assembly 8 comprises an applicator (e.g., handle applicator 1) and a bottle 6 and, optionally, a scraper 5 configured to be attached to an opening of the bottle and comprising an orifice for passage of the applicator therethrough to remove excess cosmetic composition from the applicator during removal of the applicator from the bottle 6. In particular embodiments, a diameter of the applicator (e.g., a diameter of the shaft of the applicator) and a diameter of the scraper 5 (e.g., a diameter of the orifice of the scraper 5) are correlated or compatible with each other, for a tight fit of the scraper 5 on the applicator, during removal of the applicator from the bottle 6.In this manner, the scraper 5 removes excess cosmetic composition from the exterior of the applicator, such as the exterior of the applicator shaft, for less waste and more precise application of the cosmetic composition.

[0061] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a kit comprising a container assembly (e.g., the container assembly 8 of [Fig. 1B]) and further comprising instructional material, product material, or an accessory. The instructional material may include instructions for storing, using, or maintaining the applicator or container assembly or a component thereof. ci, or the cosmetic composition, for example, and the product material may include information about the cosmetic composition, such as ingredients and other information. The accessory may include alternative or replacement applicators for use with the container assembly, for example. NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Although general features of the disclosure are described and shown and particular features of the disclosure are set forth in the claims, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly contemplated as part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and may be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting embodiment, which may itself be combined with other non-limiting embodiments.

[0063] Embodiment 1. An applicator for applying a defined dosage of a cosmetic composition, the applicator comprising: a head comprising an orifice that fluidly connects an exterior of the head to an interior of the head, wherein the head is slidably affixed to a shaft comprising a piston that is slidably positioned within the head; and a biasing member that biases the head toward a position distal to the piston, wherein the distal position corresponds to a volume of the interior of the head for storing the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition, wherein a force applied to the head toward the piston overcomes the biasing member and slides the head along a length of the shaft and toward a position proximal to the piston to discharge the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition from the volume of the interior through the orifice by the piston.

[0064] Embodiment 2. An applicator of any other embodiment, wherein the orifice is disposed through a distal portion of the head and wherein the force is applied by contacting a skin surface with the distal portion of the head, such that with discharge of the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition from the orifice, the cosmetic composition contacts the skin surface.

[0065] Embodiment 3. Applicator of any other embodiment, wherein the distal portion of the head is inclined relative to an axis of the shaft of the applicator.

[0066] Embodiment 4. Applicator of any other embodiment, in which the stressing member is integral with the head.

[0067] Embodiment 5. An applicator of any other embodiment, wherein the biasing member is a rod extending from a rim of the orifice into the volume of the interior of the head and contacts the piston of the shaft.

[0068] Embodiment 6. Applicator of any other embodiment, wherein the biasing member is a spring disposed between an inner edge of the head and the piston.

[0069] Embodiment 7. Applicator of any other embodiment, wherein a size of the spring corresponds to the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition.

[0070] Embodiment 8. Applicator of any other embodiment, wherein the inner edge of the head is positioned adjacent to the orifice of the head.

[0071] Embodiment 9. An applicator of any other embodiment, wherein the shaft includes a handle attachment at a distal portion thereof for attaching the applicator to a handle.

[0072] Embodiment 10. Applicator of any other embodiment, further comprising the handle attached to the handle attachment of the shaft.

[0073] Embodiment 11. An applicator of any other embodiment, wherein the volume of the interior of the head corresponds to the dosage defined based on a size of the plunger and a distance traveled by the plunger when the head moves from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the plunger.

[0074] Embodiment 12. An applicator of any other embodiment, wherein the size of the plunger is greater than a size of a portion of the shaft that enters the head when the head moves from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the plunger.

[0075] Embodiment 13. A container assembly for storing and dispensing a defined dosage of a cosmetic composition, the container assembly comprising the applicator of any other embodiment and a bottle, and optionally, a scraper configured to be attached to an opening of the bottle and comprising an orifice for passage of the applicator therethrough to remove excess cosmetic composition from the applicator during removal of the applicator from the bottle.

[0076] Embodiment 14. An assembly containing any other embodiment, wherein a diameter of the applicator and a diameter of the scraper are compatible with each other for a tight fit of the scraper on the applicator during removal of the applicator from the bottle.

[0077] Embodiment 15. A kit comprising the assembly containing any other Embodiment and further comprising instructional material, product material or an accessory.

[0078] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. An applicator (7) for applying a defined dosage of a cosmetic composition, the applicator (7) comprising: a head (2) comprising an orifice (9) which fluidly connects an exterior of the head to an interior of the head, wherein the head (2) is slidably affixed to a shaft (3) comprising a piston (18) which is slidably positioned within the head;and a biasing member (10) biasing the head (2) to a position distal to the piston (18), wherein the distal position corresponds to a volume of the interior of the head for storing the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition, wherein a force applied to the head (2) toward the piston (18) overcomes the biasing member (10) and slides the head along a length of the shaft and to a position proximal to the piston for discharging the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition from the volume of the interior through the orifice (9) by the piston (18).;

2. An applicator (7) according to claim 1, wherein the orifice (9) is disposed through a distal portion of the head (2) and wherein the force is applied by contact of a skin surface with the distal portion of the head, so that with a discharge of the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition from the orifice (9), the cosmetic composition contacts the skin surface.

3. Applicator (7) according to claim 2, wherein the distal portion of the head (2) is inclined relative to an axis of the shaft (3) of the applicator.

4. An applicator (7) according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member (10) is integral with the head (2); and wherein the biasing member is a rod which extends from a rim of the orifice (9) into the volume of the interior of the head and comes into contact with the piston (18) of the shaft (3).

5. An applicator (7) according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member (10) is a spring disposed between an inner edge (16) of the head (2) and the piston (18).

6. Applicator (7) according to claim 5, wherein a size of the spring corresponds to the defined dosage of the cosmetic composition.

7. An applicator (7) according to claim 5, wherein the inner edge (16) of the head (2) is positioned adjacent to the orifice (9) of the head.

8. An applicator (7) according to claim 1, wherein the shaft (3) comprises a handle attachment (17) at a distal portion thereof for attaching the applicator (7) to a handle (4).

9. The applicator (7) of claim 8, further comprising the handle attached to the handle attachment (17) of the shaft.

10. An applicator (7) according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the interior of the head (2) corresponds to the dosage defined on the basis of a size of the piston (18) and a distance traveled by the piston when the head moves from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the piston; and wherein the size of the piston (18) is greater than a size of a portion of the shaft (3) which enters the head when the head moves from the distal position to the proximal position relative to the piston.

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